Alevism

Alevism developed among Turkmen communities in Anatolia, where Sufi Islam and older customs met during the Seljuk expansion of the eleventh and twelfth centuries. From the late fifteenth century, many Qizilbash in Anatolia and Azerbaijan followed the Safavid leaders, wearing red headgear associated with the Twelve Imams.

In 1501 Qizilbash forces helped Ismail establish Safavid rule at Tabriz. Their association with the Safavids contributed to the persecution of Qizilbash communities under the Ottomans.